Vehicle Description
Late in the 1950s and into the early 1960s, Ferrari developed a
series of V6 engines for Formula 1, Formula 2, and sports racing
cars. As a budding engineer, Enzo's young son Alfredo "Dino"
Ferrari played an essential role in developing these engines and
was a leading proponent of the V6 layout. The V6 proved to be very
successful for Scuderia Ferrari in many forms of motorsport,
including the 1961 Formula 1 season, where Phil Hill drove his 156
to a World Championship. Sadly, young Dino suffered from muscular
dystrophy and passed away in 1956, never getting to see his efforts
come to fruition. As a personal tribute to his late son, Enzo
dictated that all future Ferrari V6 engines would carry the Dino
name on the cam covers. Later in the decade, the V6 played a
pivotal role in one of Ferrari's most significant road car
projects. With the compact and versatile V6 in the company
portfolio, talk of a junior-level Ferrari to take on the likes of
Porsche and Jaguar resurfaced, even as the commercial failure of
the ASA 1000GT was still fresh in everyone's mind. This time,
Ferrari was better prepared to produce a car that could compete
head-to-head with vehicles like the new Porsche 911. The stars
aligned in 1965 when changes to the Formula 2 rules called for a
minimum of 500 engines be produced for homologation purposes. In
turn, Ferrari struck a deal with Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli to supply
powertrains for a new line of V6-powered Fiat sports car. The
arrangement allowed Ferrari some time to develop their own sports
car to suit the latest Dino-branded engine. Several prototypes and
styling exercises hinted at what was to come, and Dino 206 GT
production began in 1968. Aldo Brovarone and Leonardo Fiavoranti
penned the stunning body at Pininfarina, and Scaglietti built the
bodies out of aluminum. The motorsport-inspired design featured a
tubular chassis and transverse, mid-mounted V6, making it the first
volume production, mid-engine Ferrari road car. While it was fully
developed in-house at Maranello, the car was marketed under the
separate Dino brand name, devoid of all exterior Ferrari badging.
After 154 vehicles, the 2.4-liter, steel-bodied 246 GT replaced the
206 GT. The buying public and motoring press alike fell head over
heels for the 246 Dino, with near-universal praise for its gorgeous
design, razor-sharp, kart-like handling, and superb engine. The
Dino's place in Ferrari lore is significant, as it signaled the
start of a shift toward industrialized volume production methods.
In recent years, Dino values skyrocketed as collectors appreciate
this sublime little car as one of the best driver's cars in Ferrari
history, despite never officially carrying the storied Prancing
Horse badge. We are pleased to offer this desirable early E series
Dino, S/N 03908. This European specification 246 GTS was delivered
new in Switzerland and is presented with a well-maintained
restoration and extensive service history. According to registry
information, this car was first sold by Sonauto of Lugano,
Switzerland, on July 4, 1972. The first owner kept the car through
1976 and sold it to a Mr. Eggenschwiler of Zurich. He owned the car
briefly, selling it to an American buyer on the West Coast, where
it subsequently spent most of its life. It joined a collection in
Japan in the mid-90s, only to return to California in the early
2000s. Finished in the iconic combination of red over tan leather
upholstery, this highly attractive and well-presented Dino is
perfect for driving and casual shows. The red paintwork is in
excellent condition all around, applied over crisp bodywork with
well-defined lines. Bumpers and bright trim are tidy and in very
good order. Details include proper Carello outside mirrors,
Cromodora alloy wheels, 205/70-14 Michelin X radials, and the
correct small European side markers. The beige upholstery
complements the red paintwork to good effect. The seats are
retrimmed to a high standard in beige leather with black
Daytona-style inserts. Door panels appear to be well-preserved
originals, complete with the correct-type plastic map pockets.
Carpets, sills, and the center console are all tidy and
well-presented, and the controls and switches in good order. Power
windows are a later addition, operated by non-standard switches in
the center console, and a period-correct Becker Europa sits in the
dash. The textured "mouse fur" dash upholstery is in excellent
order, and a proper Momo Prototipo steering provides the finishing
touch. Books, manuals, and a correct and full tool kit with jack
and wheel chock accompany the sale. Service records show that in
2011, Italian car specialist Alfa Italia of Burbank, California,
performed an extensive, engine-out service including a valve job &
adjustment and full reseal. Numerous other mechanical items were
addressed at this time to sort the car out for reliable, enjoyable
running. In the hands of its most recent owner, it has continued to
enjoy regular specialized care and has participated in various
shows, concours, and rallies, including the Concours of America at
St. Johns, Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix weekend, and the
Louisville Concours. It is a fine driving example that is
attractive enough for casual show events and ideally suited for
enjoyment on rallies and road tours. The Dino's stock has enjoyed a
meteoric rise in recent years, and one drive in a well-sorted
example such as this is enough to appreciate why. It is the
quintessential Italian sports car, with stunning coachwork, a
glorious view out the panoramic windscreen over curvaceous fenders,
and a sonorous V6 engine. This desirable and attractive Dino 246
GTS will undoubtedly provide its next caretaker with a wholly
rewarding ownership experience. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6766-1972-ferrari-dino-246-gts/